Comparison between Enteroscopy-, Laparoscopy- and Endoscopic Ultrasound-Assisted Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography in Patients with Surgically Altered Anatomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Diagnostic investigation, intervention, and outcome for post-subtotal gastrectomy patients who present with jaundice

Purpose

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a useful diagnostic and interventional tool in patients with obstructive jaundice. In patients who had subtotal gastrectomy, however, the implementation of ERCP has become more difficult. This study aims to investigate the accuracy of contrast-enhanced CT, MRI/MRCP and PET/CT in lesion localization, characterization, and extent evaluation in post-subtotal gastrectomy patients who present with obstructive jaundice. The interventional methods for biliary drainage, their success rate and patient outcome were also investigated.

Methods

Electronic medical records were reviewed to identify patients hospitalized for obstructive jaundice at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, who had previously undergone subtotal gastrectomy. The clinical information, imaging and interventional examination data of those patients were retrospectively collected.

Results

Between 2018 and 2023, 36 patients with previous subtotal gastrectomy were hospitalized for ob-structive jaundice at our hospital. The majority of lesions were malignant, including 19 gastric cancer recurrence (47.5%), and 12 other malignancies (30.0%). Benign lesions included inflammatory biliary stricture, biliary stones, and IgG4-related disease. The three imaging modalities had similar performance in lesion localization and characterization, whereas PET/CT showed higher accuracy compared to MR and CT in detecting extensive disease (92.8% vs. 83.3% vs. 60.0%). Percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage was applied more frequently than ERCP and surgery (69.4% vs. 25.0% vs. 5.5%), and there was no significant difference concerning technical and clini-cal success rate and complication.

Conclusion

Gastric cancer recurrence and newly-developed pancreaticobiliary malignancies were the main causes of obstructive jaundice in patients who had subtotal gastrectomy. PET/CT was superior to MRI/MRCP and contrast-enhanced CT in determining lesion extensiveness. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) was the preferred method for managing obstructive jaundice. Despite the effectiveness of interventions, a significant number of patients experienced short-term disease progression.

The Success and Safety of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Surgically Altered Gastrointestinal Anatomy

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy remains challenging, frequently necessitating the use of forward-viewing endoscopes. Given the challenge in endoscope selection based on the type of altered anatomy, the aim of this study was to examine ERCP success rates by specific endoscopes for different anatomy types.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective study examined ERCPs performed in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy during an 18-year period. Enteroscopy success, cannulation success, and intervention success rates were compared between the different anatomy and endoscope types.

RESULTS

This study included a total of 334 adult patients (665 total ERCPs) with altered anatomy. The pediatric colonoscope was most frequently utilized (32.2%), and the majority of procedures were performed for biliary indications. Enteroscopy success was 82.2% in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), 97% in Billroth II, 91.5% in Whipple, and 93.2% in Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ). Cannulation success was 90.5% in RYGB, 90.5% in Billroth II, 83.6% in Whipple, and 90.6% in RYHJ. Intervention success was 88.2% in Billroth II, 65.1% in RYGB, 81.6% in Whipple, and 87.5% in RYHJ. In patients with RYGB and RYHJ, SBE was utilized most frequently, with rotational enteroscopy having the highest success rates. The overall adverse event rate was 5.1%, with the majority of these being mild in severity.

CONCLUSIONS

This large retrospective study found ERCP with forward-viewing endoscopes to be safe and effective for a variety of surgically altered anatomy types. Despite recent advances seen with endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage procedures, this study advocates for ERCP as the initial approach for pancreaticobiliary access in surgically altered anatomy.

Understanding the Role of Different ERCP Techniques in Post-Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

We aimed to compare enteroscopy-assisted ERCP (EA-ERCP), laparoscopy-assisted ERCP (LA-ERCP), and endoscopic ultrasound-directed ERCP (EDGE) in terms of safety and efficacy in post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients. We conducted a rigorous analysis based on a predefined protocol (PROSPERO, CRD42022368788). Sixty-seven studies were included. The technical success rates were 77% (CI 69-83%) for EA-ERCP, 93% (CI 91-96%) for LA-ERCP, and 96% (CI 92-98%) for EDGE. Subgroup differences were significant between the EA-ERCP and other groups (p < 0.05). The overall adverse event rates were 13% (CI 8-22%), 19% (CI 14-24%), and 20% (CI 12-31%), respectively (p = 0.49). Our findings suggest that EDGE and LA-ERCP may be more effective and as safe as EA-ERCP.

Endoscopic ultrasound performed by a surgical approach in a patient with a pancreatic lesion and stenosing esophageal adenocarcinoma

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) performed in situations of altered anatomy has been described. Thus, in cases of Roux-en-Y gastric by-pass, several approaches have been documented for performing ERCP: by enteroscopy, guided by laparoscopic approach through the gastric remnant, and direct transgastric guided by endoscopic ultrasound through a stent between the reservoir or alimentary loop and the gastric remnant. However, there are clinical situations in which the anatomy is not altered, but there may be pancreatic lesions subsidiary to study by endoscopic ultrasound in situations where the endoscope cannot pass through the esophagus. Therefore, we present the clinical case of a patient with a pancreatic lesion subsidiary to study and a distal esophageal adenocarcinoma that prevented the passage of the endoscope.

Lumen-apposing metal stents: A primer on indications and technical tips

Lumen-apposing metal stents have ushered a new frontier for interventional endoscopic ultrasound. Initial use for the drainage of pancreatic fluid collections has rapidly expanded to the bile duct, gallbladder and small bowel. Intra-luminal applications for short strictures have also emerged. Electrocautery enhancement has made the stent delivery speedy. While the advent of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) has brought a paradigm shift in the practice of interventional endoscopic ultrasound, their use is associated with certain technicalities that any advanced endosonologist should know. Understanding indications for LAMS is critical and their use in appropriate settings. Troubleshooting in tricky situations is always a challenge and the background considerations for their use include knowing the target organ, cautery and puncture technique, managing partially opened LAMS and also managing maldeployment. In this review, we discuss the intricacies and technical tips for the use of lumen-apposing metal stents.

Management of NSAID-Induced Penetrating Gastric Ulcer Complicated by Hemorrhagic Cholecystitis: The Role of Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects but can lead to serious gastrointes complications. This report illustrates the management of an NSAID-induced penetrating gastric ulcer with subsequent postoperative hemorrhagic cholecystitis. A 68-year-old female with chronic NSAID use presented with epigastric pain and was diagnosed with a penetrating gastric ulcer extending into the retroperitoneum. The surgical management required a shift from a minimally invasive robotic-assisted approach to an open procedure due to unexpected intraoperative findings. The postoperative period was notable for the development of hemorrhagic cholecystitis that was managed with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, highlighting the role of interventional radiology in complex postoperative care. NSAID use significantly increases gastrointestinal risks, leading to complications such as ulcers that may penetrate into adjacent structures, including the retroperitoneum. The management of penetrating gastric ulcers typically involves complex surgical procedures, highlighted in this scenario by the necessity for an antrectomy followed by a Billroth II reconstruction to address the extensive damage and restore gastrointestinal continuity, which is essential for patient recovery. In this case, the development of hemorrhagic cholecystitis postoperatively was effectively managed with a percutaneous transhepatic biliary drain, demonstrating the importance of interventional radiology in managing postoperative complications and the need for a multidisciplinary approach. This case report elucidates the management of NSAID-induced penetrating gastric ulcer that extended into the retroperitoneum, necessitating an antrectomy with Billroth II reconstruction. A gastric ulcer is generally classified as "large" if it exceeds 2 centimeters in diameter. These ulcers pose greater risks of complications such as perforation, penetration into adjacent organs, bleeding, and obstruction, necessitating more complex and comprehensive management strategies. The postoperative complication of hemorrhagic cholecystitis was effectively managed via interventional radiology, highlighting the critical role of minimally invasive techniques in addressing severe postoperative complications.

Meta-analysis of postoperative incision infection risk factors in colorectal cancer surgery

Objective

To evaluate the risk factors for postoperative incision infection in colorectal cancer, this meta-analysis aimed to identify key variables impacting infection incidence following colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods

Utilizing a meta-analytical approach, studies published from January 2015 to December 2022 were systematically collected and analyzed through the assessment of factors like body mass index, diabetes, albumin levels, malnutrition, and surgical duration.

Results

The meta-analysis of eleven high-quality studies revealed that elevated BMI, diabetes, low albumin levels, malnutrition, and extended surgical duration were associated with increased infection risk, while laparoscopic procedures showed potential for risk reduction.

Conclusions

This study underscores the significance of preoperative risk assessment and management in mitigating postoperative incision infections in colorectal cancer patients. The findings present actionable insights for clinicians to enhance patient prognoses and overall quality of life.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided antegrade treatment versus balloon enteroscopy endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for choledocholithiasis in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The safety and technical success of endoscopic ultrasound-guided antegrade treatment (EUS-AG) compared to balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic cholangiopancreatography (BE-ERCP) for choledocholithiasis in Roux-en-Y gastrectomy has not been well documented. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of the 2 procedures.

Methods

A systematic search of multiple databases was undertaken through January 25, 2024, to identify relevant studies comparing the 2 procedures. Standard meta-analysis methods were employed using a random-effects model. For each outcome, risk-ratio (RR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and P-values were generated. P<0.05 was considered significant. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic.

Results

Three studies with 795 patients (95 in the EUS-AG group and 700 in the BE-ERCP group) were included. The technical success rate was similar between EUS-AG and BE-ERCP (RR 1.08, 95%CI 0.84-1.38; P=0.57; I 2=56%). The overall rate of adverse effects was higher in the BE-ERCP group than in the EUS-AG group (RR 1.95, 95%CI 1.21-3.15; P=0.006; I 2=0 %). Rates of clinical success, pancreatitis, perforation, and bile peritonitis were similar between the 2 procedure techniques.

Conclusions

Our analysis showed no distinct advantage in using one technique over the other for patients with Roux-en-Y anatomy in achieving technical and clinical success. However, the incidence of adverse effects was greater in the BE-ERCP group than in the EUS-AG group.

Performance and safety of percutaneous cholangioscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous cholangioscopy (PerC) offers an alternative for patients with an inaccessible biliary tree. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the performance of this technique.

METHODS

A search in Medline, Cochrane and ClinicalTrials.gov databases was performed for studies assessing PerC up to October 2022. The primary outcome was diagnostic success, defined as successful stone identification or stricture workup. Secondary outcomes included therapeutic success (stone extraction, stenting) and complication rate. A subgroup analysis compared previous-generation and modern cholangioscopes. We performed meta-analyses using a random-effects model and the results were reported as percentages with 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Fourteen studies (682 patients) were eligible for analysis. The rate of diagnostic success was 98.7% (95%CI 97.6-99.8%; I2=31.19%) and therapeutic success was 88.6% (95%CI 82.8-94.3%; I2=74.92%). Adverse events were recorded in 17.1% (95%CI 10.7-23.5%; I2=77.56%), of which 15.9% (95%CI 9.8-21.9%; I2=75.98%) were minor and 0.6% (95%CI 0.1-1.2%; I2=0%) major. The Spyglass system showed null heterogeneity for all outcomes; compared with older-generation endoscopes it offered comparable diagnostic success, but yielded significantly superior therapeutic success (96.1%, 95%CI 90-100%; I2=0% vs. 86.4%, 95%CI 79.2-93.6%; I2=81.41%; P=0.02].

CONCLUSION

PerC, especially using currently available cholangioscopes, is associated with high diagnostic and therapeutic success.

Two clues make a proof: EUS-directed transgastric ERCP in twice-surgically altered anatomy-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass conversion of a sleeve gastrectomy

Video 1EUS-directed transgastric ERCP in twice-surgically-altered anatomy: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass conversion of a sleeve gastrectomy.

The Usefulness of the Alpha-Retroflex Position in Biliary Cannulation on Single-Balloon Enteroscopy-Assisted Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patients with Roux-en-Y Gastrectomy: A Retrospective Study

Introduction

Balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (BE-ERCP) is a useful therapeutic procedure that provides promising results in patients with surgically altered anatomy. However, biliary cannulation in BE-ERCP remains challenging. Therefore, in patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy, this study aimed to evaluate a BE-ERCP cannulation strategy that includes the newly developed alpha-retroflex scope position.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of 52 patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy who underwent BE-ERCP at two centers between April 2017 and December 2022. In these patients, three types of scope position had been used for biliary cannulation: straight (S-position), J-retroflex (J-position), and alpha-retroflex (A-position). First, the S-position was used for biliary cannulation. Then, if biliary cannulation was difficult with this position, the J-position was used, followed by the A-position, if necessary.

Results

The biliary cannulation success rate was 96.6% (50/52). The S-, J-, and A-positions achieved successful biliary cannulation in 24 (48%), 14 (28%), and 12 patients (24%), respectively. No adverse events, including post-ERCP pancreatitis and perforation, occurred.

Conclusion

This was the first study of a cannulation strategy that included the A-position in addition to the S- and J-positions. The study showed that the A-position is feasible and safe in BE-ERCP in patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy.

Performance and safety of motorized spiral enteroscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The introduction of motorized spiral enteroscopy (mSE) into clinical practice holds diagnostic and therapeutic potential for small-bowel investigations. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the performance of this modality in diagnosing and treating small-bowel lesions.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were performed through September 2022. The primary outcome was diagnostic success, defined as the identification of a lesion relative to the indication. Secondary outcomes were successful therapeutic manipulation, total enteroscopy rate (examination from the duodenojejunal flexion to the cecum), technical success (passage from the ligament of Treitz or ileocecal valve for anterograde and retrograde approach, respectively), and adverse event rates. We performed meta-analyses using a random-effects model, and the results are reported as percentages with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

From 2016 to 2022, 9 studies (959 patients; 42% women; mean age >45 years; 474 patients [49.4%] investigated for mid-GI bleeding/anemia) were considered eligible and included in analysis. The diagnostic success rate of mSE was 78% (95% CI, 72-84; I2 = 78.3%). Considering secondary outcomes, total enteroscopy was attempted in 460 cases and completed with a rate of 51% (95% CI, 30-72; I2 = 96.2%), whereas therapeutic interventions were successful in 98% of cases (95% CI, 96-100; I2 = 79.8%) where attempted. Technical success rates were 96% (95% CI, 94-97; I2 = 1.5%) for anterograde and 97% (95% CI, 94-100; I2 = 38.6%) for retrograde approaches, respectively. Finally, the incidence of adverse events was 17% (95% CI, 13-21; I2 = 65.1%), albeit most were minor adverse events (16%; 95% CI, 11-20; I2 = 67.2%) versus major adverse events (1%; 95% CI, 0-1; I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

mSE provides high rates of diagnostic and therapeutic success with a low prevalence of severe adverse events.

[Cholecystolithiasis and intestinal bypass procedures]

With the increasing number of surgical interventions for obesity, the numbers of associated complications, such as gallstones after bariatric surgery are also increasing. The incidence of postbariatric symptomatic cholecystolithiasis is 5-10%; however, the numbers of severe complications due to gallstones and the probability of a necessary extraction of gallstones are low. For this reason, a simultaneous or preoperative cholecystectomy should only be carried out in symptomatic patients. Treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid reduced the risk of gallstone formation in randomized trials but not the risk of complications related to gallstones in cases of pre-existing gallstones. The most frequently used access route to bile ducts after intestinal bypass procedures is the laparoscopic approach via the stomach remnants. Other possible access routes are the enteroscopic approach as well as the endosonography-guided puncture of the stomach remnants.